Asbestos has been discovered in a historic building in the heart of Aberdeen ahead a multi-million-pound revamp.
Liberal Democrat group leader, Ian Yuill, recently toured the 16th century Provost Skene House and said “small pockets” of the harmful material had been found.
Work is due to start on the £3.8 million overhaul of the historic building within months, with part of the project being the creation of a “hall of heroes” exhibit celebrating some of Aberdeen’s most famous residents.
Mr Yuill wrote online that there was “no sign of any deterioration” at the building since a previous visit in 2017.
He added: “The council staff who showed me around told me that the conditions inside Provost Skene’s House are carefully controlled and monitored.
“They also said there was absolutely no evidence of any movement or cracking following the construction of Marischal Square.
“I was told that an asbestos survey has now been carried out, and that only three small areas of asbestos had been found.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman confirmed that some of the asbestos has now been removed, while more will be safely taken away during the refurbishment.
He said: “During a survey at Provost Skene’s House, small amounts of asbestos were discovered in three areas.
“As a precautionary measure the asbestos was safely removed from one area.
“During the renovation, more asbestos will be removed from a second area, again in line with procedure.
“The remaining asbestos will be securely covered and left in place, where it will pose no risk to people.”